Home / Crime and Justice / Ashton Youth Running Wild: Businesses Cry Out
Ashton Youth Running Wild: Businesses Cry Out
20 Mar
Summary
- Youngsters engage in verbal abuse and property damage.
- Dispersal orders and public space protection orders enacted.
- Residents report a return of troublesome groups despite police action.
Anti-social behaviour in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, has reached a critical point, with residents and business owners describing the situation as "getting out of hand." Young people are reportedly "running feral," engaging in verbal abuse, throwing objects, and causing damage, including dents to a resident's car which resulted in increased insurance premiums.
Greater Manchester Police have responded by issuing seven Section 34 dispersal orders and two public space protection orders in Wigan and Leigh since December. While these measures initially led to a decrease in reported incidents due to increased patrols, some business owners observe that groups of young people are beginning to return.
Local authorities and police are collaborating on a multi-faceted approach. Wigan Council's Community Safety Partnership is committed to funding positive youth activities and working with police and schools to address the issues. These interventions aim for early engagement to divert young people from offending, with authorities vowing a robust response to anti-social behaviour.
